Security Council Press Statement on Attack against MINUSCA
The following Security Council press statement was issued today by Council President Liu Jieyi (China):
The members of the Security Council condemned in the strongest terms the attack on United Nations Multidimensional Integrated Stabilization Mission in the Central African Republic (MINUSCA) peacekeepers in Bangassou (Mbomou) on 25 July by suspected anti-Balaka elements, which resulted in two Moroccan peacekeepers killed and one injured, two days after the attack that led to the death of another Moroccan peacekeeper.
The members of the Security Council expressed their deepest condolences and sympathy to the families of the peacekeepers killed, and their deepest sympathy to the family of the peacekeeper injured, as well as to Morocco, and to MINUSCA. They wished the injured a speedy recovery.
The members of the Security Council condemned in the strongest terms all attacks and provocations against MINUSCA by armed groups. They were appalled by the continued attacks against United Nations peacekeepers and urged the Central African authorities to investigate this and all previous incidents without delay and bring the perpetrators to justice. They reiterated that attacks against peacekeepers may constitute war crimes and reminded all parties of their obligations under international humanitarian law.
Furthermore, the members of the Security Council recalled their decision in paragraph 17 of resolution 2339 (2017) that acts that undermine the peace, stability or security of the Central African Republic include planning, directing, sponsoring or conducting attacks against MINUSCA peacekeepers, and expressed their readiness to designate individuals and groups responsible for such attacks for sanctions.
The members of the Security Council called on all parties to cease violence immediately, and underlined the need for the Central African authorities, the subregion and the international community to work in a concerted manner to avoid a further deterioration of the situation in the country. They called upon the Central African authorities to promote national reconciliation and support local peace efforts, and called on all Central African parties to promote peace and reconciliation.
The members of the Security Council reiterated their full support for MINUSCA and expressed their deep appreciation to MINUSCA's troop- and police-contributing countries.
They reiterated their strong support for the Special Representative of the Secretary-General for the Central African Republic, Parfait Onanga-Anyanga, and for MINUSCA to assist the Central African Republic authorities and the people of the Central African Republic in their efforts to bring lasting peace and stability to their country, as mandated by the Security Council in resolution 2301 (2016).